Hearts together, Hearts Apart Published Aug. 9, 2013 By 2nd Lt. Christopher Bowyer-Meeder 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- One of the difficulties facing deployed Airmen is finding support for family members at home. In an effort to alleviate some of those worries, the Airman and Family Readiness Center provides a program called Hearts Apart. Hearts Apart brings together the families of deployed Airmen. The program organizes events for the families and keeps them informed of activities going on around base. "Our point is to get the families together once a quarter to be able to communicate with other families that are going through the same thing," said Rebecca Mroczkowski, A&FRC readiness technician. "We take care of the family members while their deployed Airman is gone." The program is open to any Airman, regardless of rank, during the duration of their deployment. When the Airman returns home, the A&FRC stays in contact with them for one month. After that month has elapsed, A&FRC follows up with the Airman to make sure they were satisfied with their services. "Hearts Apart just gave me someone to spend some time with and talk with," Master Sgt. Alicia Barr said, a recipient of the Hearts Apart services. "It was just great." Sergeant Barr said she first experienced Hearts Apart over Thanksgiving 2012. Her husband was deployed, and it gave her an enjoyable activity to do with her daughter. She was pleased with the program and plans on using it again when she deploys. "For the greater good of all the families, for our spouses that are leaving, for me that's going, I want to know my husband has an outlet for him and my daughter when I leave," Sergeant Barr said. The next event is the August 13 Hearts Apart Back to School Bash. It will be held at Raptor Lanes from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. To find out more about this or any other events run by A&FRC, call (850) 283-4204.